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Unifor responds to latest offer from Coventry Connections, hoping to put an end to three month taxi lockout

OTTAWA, Nov. 16, 2015 /CNW/ - /CNW/ Unifor has responded positively to Coventry Connections' most recent offer, hoping to make progress towards a resolution of the lockout that started in early August.

"We want nothing more than to reach a deal that is fair for everyone and our members are eager to get back to work. Unfortunately Coventry is spreading misinformation regarding the dispute," said Bob Orr, assistant to the Secretary Treasurer.

"The company cancelled our bargaining session last week and has ignored numerous requests for a meeting. As a result we have sent them our most recent offer by email," said Orr.

In the offer the union accepts that all taxi stands well be characterized as "open stands" and calls on Coventry Connections to reduce the stand rent and the per passenger pick up fee at the airport.

Unifor has also sent a request to the Ontario Labour Relations Board asking that the mediator assigned to file convene a meeting of all parties as soon as possible in order to put an end to the dispute.

"Taxi drivers in Ottawa work long hours at minimum wage level incomes," said Orr. "Coventry has demanded a five-fold increase in dispatch fees, to be paid by the drivers. They simply cannot afford such a massive cut in their pay."

"The airport authority is the catalyst for this conflict. It cannot stay on the sidelines now and must be part of a solution," added Orr.

Unifor is Canada's largest union in the private sector, representing more than 310,000 members, including more than 2,500 in the Ontario taxi industry. It was founded Labour Day weekend 2013 when the Canadian Auto Workers and the Communications, Energy and Paperworkers union merged.

SOURCE Unifor

For further information: Contact Unifor Communications National Representative Katie Arnup at 416-333-8097 (cell) or Katie.Arnup@unifor.org.